Gene Expression
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 17.1.3
Gene Expression
The DNA in genes controls how cells function through gene expression (making proteins from DNA).
Cells
- All cells in the body (except sperm or eggs) have a copy of every gene, but not all of these genes are 'expressed' in all cells all of the time.
- Some genes are only expressed in certain types of cell, and some genes are only expressed at certain times when they are needed.
Proteins
- When genes are 'expressed' (or 'switched-on'), specific proteins are made.
- These are examples of proteins that are produced by genes being switched on when they are needed:
- Antibodies
- Enzymes
- Neurotransmitter receptors on neurones
Test yourself on Gene Expression
Which of these are not proteins coded for by genes?
What is gene expression?